Podgorica, (MINA) – The construction of the clinic for infectious diseases and dermatovenerology, mostly financed through the EU IPA funds, was an important step towards a more modern healthcare system in Montenegro, the Ministry of European Affairs (MEA) announced.

On the occasion of World Health Day, the Ministry said that EU support in the healthcare facilitates care for every patient.

According to Director General of the Directorate for IPA and Other Healthcare Infrastructure Projects, Amra Pepic, every citizen of Montenegro is aware of the conditions in which healthcare workers and patients previously operated.

“Now we have a modern facility covering over 4300 square meters and two new clinics. The total value of the project is EUR 10.1 million, of which the EU invested EUR 8.5 million”, said Pepic.

As stated in the MEA press release, EU support does not stop at the construction of clinics.

They said that the Ministry of Health is already planning new investments through the IPA III program to improve the “baby friendly” infrastructure in maternity wards, while a EUR 83 million loan was signed with the Development Bank of the Council of Europe for the construction of a general hospital in Pljevlja, a health center in the City Kvart in Podgorica and a hematology clinic with a PET CT center.

“At the same time, procedures are underway for a contract with the European Investment Bank worth between EUR 27 and 32 million for the procurement of modern medical equipment”, the press release says.